Bible character that had a new beginning

One Bible character who had a new beginning is Saul, also known as Paul.

Before his conversion, Saul was a Pharisee who persecuted Christians and was responsible for the death of Stephen (Acts 7:58-8:1). He was a zealous and passionate man, but his zeal was misdirected and led him to harm others.

However, on the road to Damascus, Saul had a dramatic encounter with Jesus Christ. He was blinded by a bright light and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4). Saul was struck to the ground and asked, "Who are you, Lord?" (Acts 9:5).

Jesus replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting... Get up, and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do" (Acts 9:5, 6). Saul was instructed to go to Damascus and wait for further instructions.

In Damascus, Saul spent several days in prayer and fasting, and then received a vision from Jesus, commissioning him to be a witness to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15-16). Saul's name was changed to Paul, and he became one of the most influential Christian leaders in the early church.

Paul's conversion marked a new beginning for him. He went on to write several books of the New Testament, including Romans, Corinthians, and Galatians, and became a key figure in the spread of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean world.

Paul's story is a powerful example of how God can give people a new beginning, even in the midst of great failure and sin. His conversion shows that it's never too late to turn to God and start anew.